The Cold Is Here!
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Arctic Village,
Alaska,
United States
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
The caribou started coming around today. They could be seen on the hill and in the distance. Several of the men went hunting and seemed really excited about it. We got invited by our friends Becky and Jimmy to come over and have caribou. They just came by to tell us Jimmy bagged 6. It was to late to expect to eat so we will go over after all the meat is passed out to the villagers and the butchering is done. This is done by the women (Not me). Mike took Bradie over to see the animals they were bringing in. Im with the little kids because it is to cold for them to make the walk... to cold for me to. My friend Donetta was telling me about a dance they do after a hunt called the raven dance. They get a little person to be in the middle of the circle while the others dance around her like ravens. They do gestures that look like swooping and pecking the meat (actually really pretty). It is symbolic of taking half the kill to the camp at a time and the ravens getting the leavings like the intestine and so forth. They clean the earth. I will post photos of the hunt as soon as Mike gets back.
This past weekend the kids really started getting out into the snow. I got some great winter photos that I will upload with this post. It was pretty cold but still a lot of fun to see the change of seasons. It really does make the mountains and trees pretty. People start getting out the traditional warm clothing. Ive definitely been sporting my Martin hat and now Mike has gifted me with a beautiful pair of beaded rabbit gloves. I dont normally go in for fur but here they use all of the animal and I feel somewhat obligated to support the local economy when I can. Plus...
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it is just so warm!Life moves along and the days are shorter and colder. We are heading into some unknown territory and ill be honest when I say Ive been eyeballing the net for good travel fares to Fairbanks for a break and a haircut. I would also LOVE to see the Chena Hot Springs. It will give you guys a change of scene as well. A different view of Alaska other than Arctic.
Post your own travel photos for friends and family More Pictures
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A new friend
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Mary
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Sweet boy
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Playing with Jago
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Comments
I remember
I remember those cold days in Russia and the different feelings of it all. I agree with you not realizing how cold it is until you walk inside. When it hits 40 below is about the changing point of that, at least it was for me. The pictures were beautiful and I loved seeing the kids. We are putting together a package for you so if you want anything from Florida, let me know and I will get it for you. I would send you some of this Florida sunshine if I could.
As the days become shorter and it gets darker quicker you must make yourself be outside more even past the dark if possible. It is a time of depression and it is very difficult on children who aren't used to it. (And adults too!) It took my first year in Russia to realize it was the weather and not me.
I hope you get your trip out soon and you can enjoy the haircut, (that makes every woman feel better, doesn't it? :)) You and the kids are still missed here!
Melissa Tucker